Featured Folk Artists
	Pablo Paredes Goche is a ceramic artist from Tlaquepaque, Mexico. He comes from a family of artisans famous for their traditional figures depicting Mexican rural village life. The region where he lives, in the state of Jalisco, is known for a variety of traditional ceramics. Pablo is known for his nacimientos, angels and devils. The Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City houses his Nacimientos.
The Juan Horta Family carve some of the best wooden masks in Mexico. Although Don Juan Horta passed away in 2006, his 5 sons are keeping the tradition alive and well. Manuel Abeiro, Juan Jose and Modesto still carve the traditional dance masks. Each day they work at their father's old workshop. Older brothers Orlando and Hugo carve exquisite miniature versions, almost exclusively for collectors.
	Epifanio Fuentes is a woodcarver from San Martin Tilcajete. Many of the families in the village carve whimsical figures out of wood. Their inspiration comes from the twisted wood itself as well as religious, decorative and traditional motifs. Epifanio is known for his daring use of color and imaginative figures, which include angels, animals, and saints. Epifanio has exhibited his work in the International Museum of Folk Art, in Santa Fe, NM.
Isabel Castillo was born in Izucar de Matamoros, in south central Mexico. The Tree of Life and other figures she creates are inspired by five generations of artisans in her family. Isabel learned her craft from her mother and grandmother; the latter lived to be 105 years old. The animal and Day of the Dead candleholders in their bright and shiny colors are everyone's favorites.
	Jose Luis Serrano is a ceramic artist from Metepéc. He and his brothers are continuing the family tradition that for generations has been creating colorful Tree of Life sculptures. Luis specializes in unique versions of this traditional art form and has been awarded 1st place by FONART (Mexico’s Traditional Arts Foundation).